Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Russia Shadows Ukrainian SAR Satellite as New Offensive Looms
Russia has moved five Cosmos satellites into the same orbit as Ukraine's ICEYE-X36, a high-resolution SAR satellite that has transformed Kyi
Iran's Drone Industry Survives US Strikes Through Dispersal and Redundancy
Iran's drone-making machine has survived US and Israeli strikes due to a design built for resilience. Intelligence assessments show Iran has
GOP Hawks Sound Alarm as Trump Weighs Deal to End Iran Conflict
President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering a deal to end the US war with Iran. Three hawkish GOP senators have voiced strong opp
Europe Must Plan for Self-Defense as US Reliability Falters
US troop deployment reversals under Trump highlight the unreliability of American security guarantees. European NATO members face a choice:
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Signals End of Post-Cold War Global Order
The Strait of Hormuz blockade marks a fourth major blow to the post-Cold War global trade system. China's market closure, US tariffs, and mi
Azov Drone Patrols Over Mariupol Signal Ukraine's Expanding Kill Zone
Ukraine's Azov brigade has resumed drone patrols over occupied Mariupol, targeting Russian supply lines. The flights undermine Moscow's narr
Pakistan's Mediation Gamble: Can Islamabad Bridge the US-Iran Divide?
Pakistan has brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran, but its role as mediator faces steep hurdles. Washington's maximalist demands and
Bangladesh's Paramilitary Force Cannot Be Fixed by a New Name
Bangladesh's interim government proposes renaming the Rapid Action Battalion to shed its toxic reputation. But the force's history of extraj
US Aircraft Losses Over Iran Raise Questions About Pacific Air Superiority Against China
The US has lost or damaged 42 aircraft in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, including fighters, tankers, and drones. The losses highlight vu
NEC's Orbital Transfer Vehicle: A Dual-Use Platform for Cislunar Operations
NEC Corporation is developing an orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) that can place satellites in distant orbits. Experts highlight its dual-use
Goats Win, Tigers Lose: Stalemate as Optimal Outcome in US-Iran Conflict
The US-Israeli-Iran war has frozen into a strategic stalemate, neither side achieving victory. Iran's goat-like strategy of resilience and p
Pakistan's Saudi Deployment Signals Gulf Security Shift
Pakistan has reportedly sent 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighters, drones, and HQ-9 air defense systems to Saudi Arabia under a confidential 2025 mu